A Capitola Resident and National Treasure

Helen R. “Penny” Emmons-Morgan Served in US Marine Corp in WWII

When it was announced in 1942 that the Marines were going to recruit women, the public anticipated a catchy nickname like the Army’s WAC (Women’s Army Corps), the Navy’s WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). On 13 February 1943, the Marine Corps officially established the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Marine headquarters was bombarded with suggestions such as Femarines, Glamarines, and even Sub-Marines. But Marine Commandant Lt. Gen Thomas Holcomb ruled out the cute titles.

In a March 1944 issue of Life magazine, General Holcomb announced, “They are Marines. They don’t have a nickname and they don’t need one. They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere at a Marine post. They inherit the traditions of Marines. They are Marines.”

World War II US Marine Veteran, Helen R. “Penny” Emmons-Morgan, served in the armed forces for approximately two years (1944-1946). Penny was an ambulance and truck driver based at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar in San Diego California. Thousands of Marine and Army casualties were sent to San Diego’s Naval Hospital (aka Balboa Hospital) arriving both by ship and by air.

During World War II, due to large numbers of casualties coming from the Pacific Theater of Operations, the Naval Hospital expanded to include most of the buildings in present day Balboa Park. For instance, Navy Nurses were housed at the House of Hospitality; the California Building, Fine Arts Gallery and the San Diego Natural History Museum were converted into hospital wards; the Japanese Tea Garden was a Red Cross Servicemen’s Center; the House of Pacific Relations served as officers’ quarters and the Palisades was a Hospital Corps School named Camp Kidd.

The Balboa Complex, including the main Naval Hospital, treated approximately 172,000 patients during and immediately after WWII. The hospital’s maximum occupancy of 12,000 was reached in December 1944. The importance of transporting these thousands of casualties for the hospital by drivers such as Penny is evident. It was a huge accomplishment.

In 1946 the Balboa Park grounds and buildings were returned to the city. Women Marines for the most part never saw combat but the support roles they played were invaluable and contributed to the outcome of the war. Among all the beautifully worded accolades bestowed on women Marines of World War II, is a simple statement from General Holcomb: “Like most Marines, when the matter first came up, I didn’t believe women could serve any useful purpose in the Marine Corps… Since then, I’ve changed my mind.”

Prior to entering the armed forces Helen landed small roles as a child at MGM Studios in Culver City CA. During this time she became friends with Judy Garland. Later she worked in the advertising department at MGM Studios and was once wished a Merry Christmas and given a kiss on the cheek by Clark Gable.

Helen went on to have a long career as an executive secretary, raised three children and maintained her beauty and health until this very day. If you ask Helen, she will tell you her secret is one banana a day. She maintains a healthy diet and walks to the supermarket in Capitola several times a week. Helen never has a negative word and has the greatest positive attitude and outlook on life.

She is enjoying her life in Capitola with her loving daughter Kate.

This is the legacy and the stories that “the Greatest Generation” is leaving for us.